{"id":233173,"date":"2025-04-16T01:46:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T05:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=233173"},"modified":"2025-04-15T17:49:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T21:49:40","slug":"undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/","title":{"rendered":"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"antig-2676413743\" class=\"antig-ecab antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Broadband 1200x400_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div><div id=\"antig-2242038339\" class=\"antig-before-content antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/medicalbenefitsscheme\" aria-label=\"ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1200\/h:400\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1200\/h:400\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:341\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ce741a73-c70c-446b-af7f-da2abe2b62bb.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1200\" height=\"400\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>In a critical step toward reshaping the economic landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Prime Minister\u2019s Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) have partnered to empower the heartbeat of the nation\u2019s economy: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through an essential initiative under the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the collaboration seeks to close critical financial gaps and champion the voices of women and youth entrepreneurs in traditionally underserved communities.<\/p><div id=\"antig-3357969798\" class=\"antig-content_5 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com\/\" aria-label=\"culinary\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:132\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:450\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:337\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1536\/h:675\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:842\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1124\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Titled \u201c<strong><em>Optimizing Innovative Finance for Underserved Groups to Build Resilience and Accelerate the Achievement of the SDGs<\/em><\/strong>,\u201d the project addresses one of the most pressing challenges MSMEs face\u2014limited access to capital. This issue is particularly acute for Small Island Developing States like Antigua and Barbuda, where systemic barriers continue to block women and youth from securing the funding needed to start, sustain, or grow their businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In interactive focus groups, EDP and UNDP invited key stakeholders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and policy leaders to unite in dialogue and action.<\/p><div id=\"antig-3612761195\" class=\"antig-content_4 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Broadband 1200x400_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div><div id=\"antig-2517967549\" class=\"antig-content_12 antig-entity-placement\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1320\/h:730\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5614.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1320\/h:730\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5614.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:166\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5614.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:566\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:425\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:696\/h:385\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_5614.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1320\" height=\"730\"   \/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On Wednesday, April 2nd, participants gathered at the Trade Winds Hotel under the theme:\u00a0<em>\u201cReducing the Risks Associated with Financing MSMEs.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0The event spotlighted strategic pathways to reduce risks and unlock new financial models that include and uplift marginalized voices.<\/p><div id=\"antig-30231552\" class=\"antig-content antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com\/\" aria-label=\"culinary\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:843\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:132\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:450\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:337\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1536\/h:675\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1920\/h:842\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/culinary-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1124\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Two days later, on Friday, April 4th, the movement continued at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center, where the focus shifted to\u00a0<em>\u201cEmpowering MSMEs: Fostering Growth for Women and Youth.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0The EDP proudly served as a Partnering Host and Expert Panelist, offering critical insight and inspiration from years of championing innovation and entrepreneurship across the twin-island state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis initiative is not just a policy discussion\u2014it\u2019s a promise,\u201d said EDP Board Director Caleb Gardiner. \u201cA promise to ensure no entrepreneur is left behind because of gender, age, geography, or economic circumstance. Our partnership with UNDP proves that transformation becomes inevitable when we combine vision with action.\u201d<\/p><div id=\"antig-2710470652\" class=\"antig-content_2 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.com\/antigua\/\" aria-label=\"IMG_0783\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:500\/h:500\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/IMG_0783.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:500\/h:500\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/IMG_0783.png 500w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:300\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/IMG_0783.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:150\/h:150\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/IMG_0783.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>On April 9th, the movement extended to Barbuda, where the UNDP and EDP met with the Barbuda Council to explore localized financial empowerment strategies. Community consultations were held with existing entrepreneurs and ambitious young women eager to launch their ventures, ensuring the project reflects lived realities and real needs on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/people\/The-Color-Express-Paint-Shop-and-Accessories\/100057457959996\/?loadIn=defaultBrowser\">&nbsp;<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitantiguabarbuda.com\/?loadIn=defaultBrowser\">&nbsp;<\/a><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This multi-agency effort\u2014supported by the UNDP, UN Women Caribbean, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)\u2014underscores a collective commitment to gender equality, inclusive economic growth, and technological innovation, all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). \u201cI am excited about this collaboration, as it presents a valuable opportunity for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Antigua and Barbuda to fully leverage the diverse range of programs and services the Entrepreneurial Development Programme provides. This initiative is designed to enhance access to innovative financial solutions specifically aimed at underserved groups, focusing on supporting businesses owned by women and youth. By addressing these entrepreneurs\u2019 unique challenges, the project seeks to empower them and foster sustainable economic growth within the community,\u201d said Jennifer Joseph, UNDP Joint Programme Coordinator.<\/p><div id=\"antig-2052199787\" class=\"antig-content_3 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.courts.com\/antigua\/\" aria-label=\"IMG_1115\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:864\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:864\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:240\/h:300\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 240w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:819\/h:1024\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 819w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:960\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_1115.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, EDP and UNDP are not only breaking barriers\u2014they\u2019re building bridges\u2014bridges to opportunity, empowerment, and a more resilient Antigua and Barbuda where everyone, regardless of gender, age, or location, can dream, dare, and deliver.<\/p><div id=\"antig-2111624823\" class=\"antig-content_6 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discoverflow.co\/web\/antigua\" aria-label=\"ANU CVP Digital Broadband 1200x400_1\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1201\/h:401\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1201w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:100\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1024\/h:342\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:256\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ANU-CVP-Digital-Broadband-1200x400_1-1.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1201\" height=\"401\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the EDP, its mission, and ongoing projects, details will be shared during the events and on request.<\/p>\n<div id=\"antig-1691180651\" class=\"antig-in-comments_2 antig-entity-placement\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/@hadeedmotorsltd\" aria-label=\"Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2\"><img src=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png\" alt=\"\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1000\/h:250\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 1000w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:300\/h:75\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 300w, https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:768\/h:192\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Hadeed_WEB_Banner_MG-2.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" width=\"1000\" height=\"250\"   \/><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a critical step toward reshaping the economic landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Prime Minister\u2019s Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) have partnered to empower the heartbeat of the nation\u2019s economy: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through an essential initiative under the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Multi-Partner [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":233175,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-233173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.1 (Yoast SEO v24.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In a critical step toward reshaping the economic landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Prime Minister\u2019s Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) have partnered to empower the heartbeat of the nation\u2019s economy: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through an essential initiative under the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Multi-Partner [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Antigua News Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/antiguanewsroom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-04-16T05:46:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-15T21:49:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"372\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Editor\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AntiguaNewsRoom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AntiguaNewsRoom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Editor\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Editor\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/person\/36cac05ef6398fe56ae3e6317f8535c5\"},\"headline\":\"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-16T05:46:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-15T21:49:40+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\"},\"wordCount\":579,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg\",\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\",\"name\":\"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua News Room\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-16T05:46:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-15T21:49:40+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg\",\"width\":720,\"height\":372,\"caption\":\"From L-R: Caleb Gardiner \u2013 EDP Board Director, Ms. Krista Harry \u2013 EDP Executive Assistant, Ms. Ezra Bontiff \u2013 Customer Service Officer, Mr. Ahmed Moustafa \u2013 Finance and Economic Specialist, Ms. Jennifer Joseph \u2013 UNDP Joint Programme Coordinator. (photo by EDP)\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/\",\"name\":\"Antigua News Room\",\"description\":\"News As It Happens\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Antigua Newsroom\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1080\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1584.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1080\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1584.jpeg\",\"width\":1260,\"height\":1260,\"caption\":\"Antigua Newsroom\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/antiguanewsroom\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/AntiguaNewsRoom\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/antiguanewsroom\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/person\/36cac05ef6398fe56ae3e6317f8535c5\",\"name\":\"Editor\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"caption\":\"Editor\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/author\/editor\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua News Room","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda","og_description":"In a critical step toward reshaping the economic landscape of Antigua and Barbuda, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Prime Minister\u2019s Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) have partnered to empower the heartbeat of the nation\u2019s economy: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Through an essential initiative under the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Multi-Partner [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/","og_site_name":"Antigua News Room","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/antiguanewsroom","article_published_time":"2025-04-16T05:46:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-04-15T21:49:40+00:00","og_image":[{"width":720,"height":372,"url":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Editor","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@AntiguaNewsRoom","twitter_site":"@AntiguaNewsRoom","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Editor","Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/"},"author":{"name":"Editor","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/person\/36cac05ef6398fe56ae3e6317f8535c5"},"headline":"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda","datePublished":"2025-04-16T05:46:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-15T21:49:40+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/"},"wordCount":579,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg","articleSection":["News"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/","url":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/","name":"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda - Antigua News Room","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg","datePublished":"2025-04-16T05:46:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-15T21:49:40+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:720\/h:372\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EDF.jpeg","width":720,"height":372,"caption":"From L-R: Caleb Gardiner \u2013 EDP Board Director, Ms. Krista Harry \u2013 EDP Executive Assistant, Ms. Ezra Bontiff \u2013 Customer Service Officer, Mr. Ahmed Moustafa \u2013 Finance and Economic Specialist, Ms. Jennifer Joseph \u2013 UNDP Joint Programme Coordinator. (photo by EDP)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/undp-and-edp-join-forces-to-unlock-financial-access-for-msmes-targeting-women-and-youth-owned-businesses-across-antigua-and-barbuda\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"UNDP and EDP Join Forces to Unlock Financial Access for MSMEs, Targeting Women and Youth-owned Businesses Across Antigua and Barbuda"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/","name":"Antigua News Room","description":"News As It Happens","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#organization","name":"Antigua Newsroom","url":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1080\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1584.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/mlavawteztbj.i.optimole.com\/w:1080\/h:1080\/q:mauto\/f:best\/https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1584.jpeg","width":1260,"height":1260,"caption":"Antigua Newsroom"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/antiguanewsroom","https:\/\/x.com\/AntiguaNewsRoom","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/antiguanewsroom\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/person\/36cac05ef6398fe56ae3e6317f8535c5","name":"Editor","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","caption":"Editor"},"url":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/author\/editor\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/233173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=233173"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/233173\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":233176,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/233173\/revisions\/233176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/233175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=233173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=233173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/anr-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=233173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}